On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the American company Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. (part of the Australian NIOA Group) announced that it had received an order from the National Army of Colombia (Ejército Nacional de Colombia) for the delivery of multi-caliber MRAD (Multi-role Adaptive Design) sniper rifles.
Photo: Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc.
Although neither the value nor the quantity of the order was specified, it was emphasized that this is the largest foreign contract for a military user. Deliveries are expected to begin in the summer of 2025.
The Colombian recipient selected the configuration in Olive Drab Green (OD Green) with a receiver chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO and 8.6×70mm (.338 Lapua Magnum) cartridges, complemented by a Barrett AM338 sound suppressor and a Leupold Mark 5HD optical sight.
The MRAD in this configuration marks a key step in the Colombian military’s efforts to standardize precision rifles with a modular, multi-caliber, and modern weapon system. MRAD rifles have previously been delivered to the armed forces of Indonesia, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Ukraine, and the United States.
“We are deeply honored to have secured this new contract with our professional customers in Colombia,” said Cooper Thompson, Barrett’s Director of International Sales. “This collaboration is a monumental moment for us, as this contract sets our record for the largest single acquisition of MRAD systems from any international military end user to date. We look forward to reinforcing our already successful relationship with the Colombian military, and we anticipate overwhelming success and growth together.”
Currently, the National Army of Colombia operates sniper rifles of various calibers, including the 12.7mm Barrett M82 and M95, the 7.62mm IMI Galatz, the 7.62/8.6mm M24 SWS, and the multi-caliber Remington MSR (the latter used in special operations units).
Description
The MRAD is a modular bolt-action rifle. It features a quick-change barrel system, allowing the user to switch between different types of ammunition in a short time. The manufacturer’s website showcases barrels of various lengths, available in both traditional construction and carbon-fiber-wrapped versions. The barrel is mounted in a distinctive receiver, which is integrated with a long handguard. A continuous Picatinny rail runs along the entire length of the receiver’s top, enabling the flexible mounting of various optical sights and specialized attachments. The bolt channel is sealed with a special polymer plug.
The MRAD’s design layout resembles modern automatic rifles, dividing into two main components: the upper receiver and the lower receiver. The lower receiver integrates the magazine well, with a detachable magazine released via an ambidextrous lever. Inside the lower receiver, there is a quick-change trigger mechanism, enhancing the rifle’s modularity and making maintenance easier for the user.
The rifle also draws inspiration from modern carbines in the area around the trigger guard. The lower receiver is compatible with AR-15 standard pistol grips, allowing the shooter to choose their preferred type. The 45-degree safety selector and its positioning are designed to eliminate the need to adjust the hand placement on the grip. The safety levers are located on both sides of the receiver.
The stock folds to the right, protecting the bolt handle when in the folded position. It is equipped with a tool-free adjustable cheek rest and butt pad. A short Picatinny rail section is located on the underside of the stock, enabling the attachment of ergonomic accessories.
